Assam Arrests 524 in Statewide Crackdown on Child Marriage, 4
Police conducted raids across multiple districts following the state government’s renewed drive against child marriage.
The Assam government on Wednesday said that it had launched a major statewide crackdown on child marriage and arrested 524 persons and registered 441 cases so far across the state.
The renewed drive follows directions from the chief minister and forms part of the state government’s sustained campaign against child marriage, which began intensifying in 2023. Police conducted operations across multiple districts, including Dhubri, Goalpara, Darrang, Sonitpur, Morigaon and Kamrup.
In the drive, which was launched on Tuesday, western Assam’s Dhubri district reported the highest number of detentions, with police holding about 63 people from areas under nine police stations. Those detained include accused individuals as well as parents and guardians. A breakdown from the district showed 18 detentions under Dhubri Sadar police station, 15 under Golakganj, nine under Bilasipara, eight under Gauripur, and smaller numbers from other stations, including Chapar, Fakirganj, Tamarhat and Agomoni. Goalpara also saw significant action, with more than 50 people detained.
Informing that police had targeted those allegedly involved in arranging, facilitating or solemnising underage marriages, security sources said that the legal minimum age for marriage in India is 18 for women and 21 for men. Cases are being registered under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and, where applicable, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Assam government had previously cited a sharp decline in child marriages in the state as a result of earlier enforcement drives, which involved thousands of arrests and cases over recent years. Officials have said that the current operations will continue, with the stated aim of making Assam free of child marriage.
Police said that investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected.
